"My proposal is simple. Our company has a solid, constructive working relationship with Alpha Kyle of the Moonhowlers Pack. They are currently handling futures, options, and derivatives for us. Why don't you start with a program with them? They're working on the refurbishment of the old Trafold Hippodrome and they're having an unsealed bid right now. If you get this project done, I'm sure everyone on the board will be happy to welcome a new VP to our company." Ava had a look on her face as if she was doing me a big favor.
"OK. I'll certainly look into that," I replied. Alpha Kyle was the Chairman of the Derby Committee. I met him on Derby Day. I didn't like the way he looked at me.
"I'll have all the needed documents sent to you in a minute," Ava said and tapped on the table with the knuckle of her index finger.
"Good luck with the project and I hope everything went well, Lewyn," she added.
"Oh, come on, Miss Dinara, you know you can call me by my first name," I said.
"Leah?" Ava raised an eyebrow.
"No, my first name is 'Miss'," I replied.
Ava narrowed her eyes and said, "I know Alpha Lucian is on your side. But don't mistake his mercy on you as a protecting shield. You used to be an Omega, and if you don't make an effort and prove yourself by sealing this case, sooner or later, you'll go back to your shabby little apartment, crying yourself to sleep. Take my advice, seize this opportunity."
Then, Ava stormed out of my office without looking back.
As soon as Ava walked off, Laura said, "Leah, that sinister bitch is baiting you. She must be scheming something. Don't take it."
I shrugged and said, "I know. She's supposed to be VP if I wasn't elected. That's why she's totally hostile to me. And I hired Gean to be my assistant, which she absolutely abhor. She's planning to take me down by throwing me this case. It may look easy, but there's definitely something off. Did you use to go out with that guy from Moonhowlers Pack?"
Laura had a special ability to maintain a good friendship with all her ex-boyfriends, while I couldn't even handle one husband.
"Bleiz? Oh, he's cool. I'll definitely talk to him and see what's Alpha Kyle's deal is." Laura smirked.
My phone buzzed and it was Jalin.
"Finn's here downstairs. Are you going to take him to Soprano's?" Jalin asked.
"Yeah."
"Troy's going to drive you there and take you home for the measurement."
"Troy? Is he fully recovered?" I frowned. Troy's my Father's Head of Security. He was caught in a bad traffic accident the other day.
"I'm fine, Leah. As long as my head is still on my neck, I'll drive for you." Troy said in the background. He didn't sound happy when his ability was questioned.
Jalin said, "I've got something urgent to deal with, so I can't be with you. I need to remind you that you're still grounded. So come back home right away after you have pizza with Finn."
"Sure." I hung up and jumped off my chair, stretching out a bit.
"You look happy," Laura said. "I haven't seen you being happy like this for a really long time."
"I'm going on a pizza date with Finn! I can't wait!" I raised both of my arms above my head with excitement.
As soon as I got downstairs and walked into the parking lot, I saw Troy driving his Audi R8 out of a private garage.
He stopped the car right in front of me, getting out of the car to open the door for me.
"Why do you park my car in the private garage?" I looked at the surveillance cameras hanging above on both sides of the garage and asked. "Is this necessary?"
"Someone has tampered with your Ferrari, Leah," Troy said with a dead-pan face. "They disabled the brake. That's why I had an accident the other day."
"Someone is targeting me?!" I frowned.
"Or they're targeting me." Troy shrugged and said. "We're looking into this case now. So far nothing has been confirmed. Before we find out what's really going on, we have to raise your security level to the maximum."
I frowned and got into the car. Finn was inside and he looked absolutely terrified.
As soon as he saw me, he leaned forward and grabbed my arms.
"I'm here, Finn. There's nothing to be worried about." I said in a soothing voice, slowly running my fingers through his hair.
"Leah," Finn said in a trembling voice. "Is someone going to kill us?"
"No, Finn. No one is going to kill us. Troy is here to protect us. He's very good at what he does. So let's make his job easier, not harder," I said.
Finn didn't say anything.
Troy closed the door and started to drive.
As I lifted my head and watched Finn, my heart sank at the sight of his handsome face contorted with anxiety. His chiseled jawline, once a symbol of strength and confidence, now trembled with uncertainty. His piercing blue eyes darted outside the window as if he was searching for any signs of danger.
"Finn, my Father is a very powerful person. No one in this Kingdom will dare to hurt us," I drew myself closer to him, trying to offer him some sense of security.
But it didn't work.
Despite his outward appearance of composure, it was clear that Finn was struggling to keep his nerves in check. His white T-shirt hung off his broad shoulders, a stark contrast to the way his hands fidgeted nervously at his sides.
I couldn't help but wonder what had brought this man to such a state of fear. Was it a looming threat that he had yet to disclose? Or was it simply the weight of his own doubts and anxieties that had driven him to the brink of paranoia?
As he looked outside the window once more, his gaze locked with mine, and I saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes. But before I could speak, he was already withdrawing. His body was so tense as if he was ready to flee at a moment's notice.
I watched him flinch. I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of such a handsome man's life being disturbed by fear and doubt.
I held his hands in mine and said, "Finn, who are you? What have you been through? I can't help you if you don't talk to me."
Finn took a quick glance at me and lowered his head.
"I am Finn. I'll do everything to make you happy, Leah," he whispered in a monotonic voice as if he was reciting it from a book.
I sighed and said, "Finn, your fate is entangled with mine now, so whatever terrible fate is awaited, we will go through it together. I want to offer you protection and safety that you have never experienced in your life. I know nothing I tell you can reassure you, but time will tell. Now, let's have something to eat. I hope you like deep-pan pizza!"
As I finished my speech, the car stopped outside a typical Italian restaurant. The giant signature sign of Saprano's was standing on the roof.
Just as I was about to jump out of the car, Finn grabbed me from behind and said, "No, Leah... You don't understand... They're coming... My brother is right. I'm a plague. I always bring people bad luck. Could you please just let me go away before I get everyone in your pack killed?"